"Last night, the Senate came together to pass bipartisan legislation that will increase tourism and create jobs," Barrasso said. "Our legislation gives ski communities more opportunities to attract visitors for a wide range of summer activities. By allowing for more summer recreation, we can help extend the season to build a more steady and stable tourism economy."

"Tourism is a key economic engine for our state," Barrasso added. "I want our tourism industry to have the tools they need to innovate and create jobs."

"Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is pleased as is the rest of the industry to move this legislation which provides clarity for uses on permitted land," Jackson Hole Mountain Resort President Jerry Blann said. "Senator Barrasso was key in moving passage for this critical jobs initiative for Wyoming."

Background on the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011:

In February 2011, Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Mark Udall (D-Colorado) and Representatives Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Diana DeGette (D-Colorado) introduced the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 to amend the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986. The bill passed the House on October 3, 2011. It will now be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

This bill changes permitting rules for ski areas on Forest Service land to allow for summertime recreation, increased tourism and expanded economic opportunities.

The 1986 law currently allows only ski-related activities in Forest Service ski areas. The bill would amend it so that recreational sports other than alpine and Nordic skiing are allowed.

In addition, the bill authorizes the Forest Service to decide on appropriate year-round and summertime activities—such as mountain biking, zip lines, hiking trails, rope courses, Frisbee golf courses and concerts—to help level out ski areas’ seasonal economies and provide steady job opportunities for the people who make up these communities.